Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Columbia College

Similar nursing programs across South Carolina suggest first-year earnings around $74,000—solidly in line with the national median for BSN graduates. At an estimated $27,000 in debt, that translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in less than five months of gross income. For context, the state median debt for comparable programs is identical, and the earnings estimate reflects what 16 other South Carolina nursing programs typically produce.

What works in nursing's favor is the profession's stability and relatively high starting salaries regardless of where you earn your degree. The estimated figures here mirror both state and national benchmarks almost exactly, which suggests Columbia College's program likely delivers comparable value to its peers. That said, the top-performing nursing programs in South Carolina—like Coastal Carolina and Lander—report outcomes $4,000 to $10,000 higher, so there may be room to improve your return by exploring alternatives within the state.

For a family facing this decision, the key question is whether Columbia College offers something beyond the numbers—location convenience, clinical partnerships, or flexibility—that justifies choosing it over programs with stronger reported outcomes. The financial fundamentals look reasonable based on peer data, but when actual outcomes aren't available, comparing against schools with documented track records becomes even more important.